Property insurance in WV covers a home and its contents. It also provides protection against liability for any injuries or property damage you or any members of your family, including household pets, cause. West Virginia homeowners insurance also pays temporary living expenses while living away from home because of a natural disaster.

A West Virginia homeowner’s insurance policy covers most types of natural disasters including fire, hail and lightning and other events specified in the policy. Earthquake and flood coverage typically will require separate policies. WV property insurance does not protect against problems caused by poor maintenance.

Consider these three points when choosing property insurance in WV:

1. The location of the property may require additional West Virginia house insurance. For example, properties in high crime rate areas may require addition protection against theft.
2. Effective loss-control measures can control the premium for West Virginia property insurance coverage. This can include installing an alarm system for theft.
3. The replacement of detached structures. Home insurance should allow you to rebuild your house including structures like a garage, gazebo or tool shed. Detached structures are typically covered for about 10% of the value of the house.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Collect quotes for a variety of West Virginia homeowner insurance plans

Obtaining multiple quotes from different sources can be an effective method of identifying the general terms of these policies and the premiums you can expect to pay.

I recommend: The search function at Respond allows you to specify a city within West Virginia. Go to insurehome.net and enter your zip code to start your search for West Virginia house insurance quotes.

Find homeowners insurance in West Virginia from brokers who represent major carriers

You may want to obtain property insurance in West Virginia through an agent who represents a major carrier in the state and can make a recommendation based on the specific needs of your situation.

I recommend: State Farm sells homeowner's insurance and provides a list of agents within a specified area. Safeco Insurance provides a range of property insurance and allows you to locate agents within a given area.

Get a policy from property insurance companies in West Virginia

You may wish to contact local independent property insurance companies in West Virginia rather than dealing with different national insurers. Often, a local agent can write a more customized plan for you.

I recommend: Mountain State Insurance Agency, Inc., is based in West Virginia and also provides business and personal insurance to clients in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Kentucky. The Bryan Insurance Agency provides homeowners insurance to residents of West Virginia and Ohio.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Conduct a home inventory to determine the replacement cost for the contents of your home. Property insurance in West Virginia will cover the contents of your house up to a specified percentage of the value of your home. You should consider off-premises coverage if you have a substantial amount of number of belongings outside of your home quickly after a disaster.
• •  West Virginia property insurance typically covers expensive items such as furs, jewelry and silverware up to a fixed amount. You will need a special property endorsement to replace these items if their value exceeds the amount the primary policy covers. A property endorsement covers items that are lost or stolen.